1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

3. Plot (definition)
Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

4. 1. Exposition
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. An inciting incident occurs to set up a major problem. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

5. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.
Three major events must occur in which the main character(s) try to solve the problem.

6. 3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way. This makes it easy for the reader to guess how the story will most likely end.

7. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

8. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

9. 5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending. This is when the story’s major problem is solved.

10. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story

11. Exposition of Thank You, Mr. Falker
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters (Patricia, mom, brother, grandparents teachers) are introduced during the inciting incident when grandpa and the family pour honey on a book. We also learn about the setting( rural Michigan early 1950’s; Califormia mid 1950’s) of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem). Patricia can’t read and she isn’t sure why.

12. 2. Rising Action Three Major Events:
Trisha is not moving ahead like other students.
Trisha moves to California where she believes she will blend in, but is teased because she can’t read.
She is bullied by a classmate pretends that she doesn’t know why. She begins to hide not just her disability, but herself as well.

13. 3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way. Mr. Falker discovers that Trisha has dyslexia and he begins teaching her how to read. We can guess at this point that Trisha will eventually solve her problem.

14. 4. Falling Action
Trisha works hard to learn her letters and numbers. She is not bullied again.

15. 5. Resolution Trisha finally learns to read.
We are surprised by the fact that she wrote the book, Thank You, Mr. Falker.